Is there anything better than a warm, spiced muffin on a bleary, cold and wet morning? The answer is yes—when that muffin is topped with a buttery oat streusel and drizzled with a sweet sugar glaze. These Pumpkin Muffins with Oat Streusel Topping are everything you love about fall baking: cozy, flavorful, and just a little indulgent.
Why These Pumpkin Muffins Are a Must-Try
The combination of soft, spiced pumpkin muffins, crunchy oat streusel topping, and sweet sugar glaze makes these a standout treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for fall gatherings, a weekend indulgence, or just because you’re craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time.
Pumpkin muffins are a classic for a reason. They’re soft, fluffy, and packed with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. The pumpkin puree adds natural moisture and richness, making these muffins deliciously tender.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Adding a streusel topping made with oats, walnuts, and cinnamon takes these muffins to the next level. The contrast between the crunchy topping and the soft muffin is pure perfection. And if that’s not enough, the sugar glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness to tie it all together.
The Charm of a Good Streusel
Let’s talk about streusel for a second. Streusel is one of those things that makes any baked good feel a little more special. It’s buttery, crumbly, and adds texture to every bite.
For these muffins, the streusel combines oats, flour, sugar, and walnuts with a touch of cinnamon. The oats give it a rustic feel, while the walnuts add a nutty crunch. It’s the perfect topping for the warm, spiced pumpkin base.
Glaze or No Glaze?
The sugar glaze on these muffins is optional, but let’s be honest—why would you skip it? It’s quick to make and adds a glossy, sweet finish that makes these muffins look as good as they taste. The glaze is made with just powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk, making it a simple but impactful addition.
If you’re feeling fancy, you could even switch it up:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra warmth.
- Use maple syrup instead of milk for a hint of caramel flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall Flavors at Their Best: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and a crunchy topping is quintessentially autumnal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick snack, or want to impress at a potluck, these muffins are always a hit.
- Customizable: Don’t have walnuts? Use pecans. Want to skip the glaze? They’re still amazing on their own.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, these muffins come together easily.
These Pumpkin Muffins with Oat Streusel Topping and Sugar Glaze are the ultimate fall treat. They’re cozy, comforting, and just the right mix of indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Tips for Baking Perfect Pumpkin Muffins
- Use the Right Pumpkin: Stick to canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree made from sugar pumpkins for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, as it’s pre-sweetened and spiced.
- Measure Ingredients Correctly: Baking is a science, so measure your ingredients carefully. Overpacking the flour or overmixing the batter can make the muffins dense instead of fluffy.
- Don’t Skip the Streusel: The streusel is what makes these muffins stand out. Sprinkle it generously on top before baking for that irresistible crunch.
- Let the Muffins Cool: It’s tempting to dive in right out of the oven, but letting the muffins cool slightly helps the flavors develop. Plus, the glaze will stick better to a cooled muffin.
Let’s get right into the recipe now!
Pumpkin Muffins w/ Oat Streusel Topping
12
muffins15
minutes25
minutesKeep your device screen on
Ingredients
- For the Muffins
2 large eggs
1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil works best)
1/4 cup milk
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
- For the Oat Streusel Topping
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup oats
- For the Sugar Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla essence
1 1/2 tbsp milk
Directions
- For the muffins
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tin with liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, and vanilla essence until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
- Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 3/4 of the way.
- For the Oat Streusel
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, sugar, cinnamon, chopped walnuts, and oats until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over each muffin.
- Bake the Muffins
- Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla essence, and milk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk 1/2 tsp at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve
- Once the muffins have cooled, drizzle the sugar glaze over the top.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly spiced, crumbly, and sweet muffins with your favorite cup of coffee or tea!
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